Piece of jewelry bearing a genetic fingerprint

ABSTRACT

Described are decoration objects, that are intended to be worn by an individual and characterized in that they carry genetic information about the individual wearing the decoration object, or about a different individual. In a preferred embodiment these decoration objects are wedding rings or engagement rings.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention is related to marking jewelry with geneticfingerprints of individuals.

STATE OF THE ART

[0002] For establishing the classical genetic fingerprints, the wholeDNA of an individual, in one or more of the possible types, is dividedinto smaller fragments, typically by means of a so-called restrictionendonuclease. These fragments are separated according to the lengths ofthe fragments using gel electrophoresis. Within many of the resultingfragments there are so-called repeats, repetitions of one and the samebase sequence, and the number of repetitions varies between differentindividuals. A labelled probe composed of a DNA sequence that iscomplementary to the repeat can be hybridized and simultaneously thelength of many of such repeats can be visualized. The resulting patternis with very high likelihood unique for each human being. As the lengthmeasurements of the different pieces of DNA are only relative (withinone separation), in each of such experiments so-called standards have tobe used that provide for the comparability—and thus also the actualuniqueness—of the [genetic] fingerprint.

[0003] The variant of the genetic fingerprint that is preferred today isthe [analysis of] so-called microsatellites. These also are comprised ofrepeats of either two or four bases (the most common type is theCACACACA repeat), and the number of repetitions per repeat can vary.

[0004] The genetic markers, each single one of which can be present inmore than only two variants, are defined by the unique DNA sequencesflanking them on both sides.

[0005] The biggest advantage of these markers is, that in world-widesets of experiments a defined set of such markers was established and isnow accepted internationally. Also, one has agreed on one [commonly]accepted number and letter code, that sufficiently describes theinformation [contained in] the individual markers.

[0006] The future method to determine the identity will probably be thedetection of single variable base exchanges of the human DNA.Statistically, about every 100 or 1000 bases (the exact frequency isstill unknown and not important in this context) within the human genomethere is one position, at which there is the one base in a part of the[human] population, but in another part of the population another baseis located at the same position. If such a variability is very small(only the by far smallest part of the population has the one base, whilein the vast majority there is the other one), this is classicallyreferred to as a mutation. With a certain distribution of the bases thatare possible at a given position being more equal, this is referred toas a polymorphism or SNP. One can now calculate that in an analysis ofan individual, starting from a certain number of such SNP positions, thesum of identities at the analysed positions will yield a unequivocaldescription of said individual. There are hundred-thousands of such SNPsin the human genome and today people world-wide have not yet agreed on acombination that would be generally valid for all such analyses. Thereis also no accepted addressing system for SNPs in the human genome(besides the description of the actual sequence context), and some tenpositions would have to be used for the unequivocal description of anindividual. As soon as a standard set of such markers will exist,however, there is no doubt that there will also be an internationallyaccepted number or letter code (or any other encoding). Possibly thecharacterisation of SNPs for the unambiguous determination of identitywill also be the method of choice in the future.

[0007] Typically, when decoration objects, ornaments or other luxurygoods are exchanged or a present is made, the relationship between thedonating person and the person receiving the gift is of primaryimportance, opposite to many other types of objects, that may be givenas presents. But also the unambiguous labelling of objects (in ownpossession) in a highly individual, but appealing manner is foreversince an existing topic, be it because if individualism or just securingproperty reasons or a combination of both.

[0008] Especially when wedding rings are exchanged, such a labelling iscustomary, and they normally carry the name or the given name of thepartner, and possibly the wedding date. Today almost all members of thewestern societies increasingly appreciate an exceptional and individualtouch in all very personal affairs, including the exchange of weddingrings or or similar decoration objects which is again a special casethereof. The individuality of a ring itself can only be graduallyinfluenced, mainly however though the price, in the form of the chosenmaterials of the brand names of jeweller or a jewellery chain. Thismethod for the distinction of the decoration objects from the presentsof an unknown person is not possible for most persons alone because oftheir limited spending capacity. Additionally, even if there is a tailormade decoration object made from most distinguished materials is chosen,the donating person is mostly less linked to the decoration object thanwanted by most individuals.

[0009] The closest state of the art to this invention is considered tobe U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,472, that describes the imprinting offingerprints of individuals onto decoration objects. It is to beconsidered here, however, that it is usually not possible to place afull fingerprint of an individual for example on the surface of awedding ring. It is a general problem, that the space on the inner sideof a wedding ring is mostly extremely limited, and an unlimited amountof information about the identity of the donating person cannot be made.

[0010] Ideally, many brides and grooms for example would like todemonstrate an extensive exchange of their most personal domains.Therefore, for the gravure of a wedding ring only stampings or imprintscan be chosen that are not changeable, are linked in an inseparablemanner to a person and have not been donated from others before. Noteven gravures displaying an American Social Security Number fulfil allthese criteria, although the exchange of this number that is inseparablylinked to the people living in the USA has certainly already beenimplemented. Also a combination of surname and given name, date of birthetc would seem to be to bureaucratic because of the amount of the data,to prevail in practice.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The underlying problem that is solved by this invention is, thatit corresponds to the needs of many people, to identify themselves orother persons in a unique manner on decoration objects. This occurs, forexample, on wedding rings, typically in a way that their initials orfull names are used. However, because of only the name it is usuallyimpossible to identify the owner of such a ring. Also, may combinationsof given names and surnames are very abundant, thus the identificationof the owner of such an decoration object is only possible withsubstantial efforts. Often, if the names are common, it is not possiblewith reasonable efforts to identify the owner. Especially for expensivedecoration objects, however, there is considerable demand [to be able todo so].

[0012] Adding to this practical problem is the increasing individualityneeds in today's society as described above. For the reasons mentioned,this demand is not always sufficiently met by applying the name to thedecoration object.

DESCRIPTION

[0013] In the following we describe one favourable and some moretechnical solutions to the problem described above. The solution is theattachment of a sum of data points derived from the genome (the DNA) tothe decoration object (for example, engraved into a wedding ring), thatare, taken together, that unique, that with highest probability there isno other individual existing world-wide who would have the exact samecombination of data points.

[0014] The invention solves the problem by way of employing geneticfingerprints for the identification of individuals on decorationobjects, as in principle known in the art. For this purpose, the geneticfingerprints are encoded and printed, for example, into a wedding ring.This does not only allow for the instant identification of the rightfulowner, but also they are naturally highly individual. Depending on theeffort, it is also possible with the highest possible security todetermine, that the respective genetic fingerprint is world-wide unique.

[0015] Additionally the stamping allows for a certain theft protection,as the original owner of the decoration object can be re-identified anytime, unless the decoration object had been altered or the uniquesignature had been removed. Such identification features are known fromother high priced devices, like for example motorized vehicles.

[0016] Subject of this invention is a decoration object, that isintended to be worn by an individual, carrying genetic information aboutan individual. In a particularly preferred embodiment the decorationobject carries the genetic fingerprint of the individual rightfullywearing it. It can, however, also be the genetic fingerprint of adifferent individual. This is especially the case if decoration objectsare exchanged between two individuals. It is especially preferred thatthe decoration objects are a ring, a wedding ring, an engagement ring, afriendship ring, a bracelet, a medallion, an bracelet or a combinationthereof.

[0017] Subject of this invention is also a set of decoration objects.The decoration objects carry the genetic fingerprints of at least twoindividuals, and they are characterized in that the respectivedecoration object that is determined to be worn by an individualcontains the genetic fingerprint of the respective other individual. Itis also possible and preferred, that the decoration objects as acomponent of a set of at least two decoration objects each carry thegenetic fingerprints of two individuals. In this respect, a set ofwedding rings, engagement rings or friendship rings is particularlypreferred.

[0018] Subject of this invention is further an decoration object thatcontains the genetic fingerprints of the parents of an individual. Inthis respect, it is particularly preferred that the decoration object isa plate, mug, cutlery or insignia or any other decoration object that iscustomary as a baptism related present.

[0019] As the underlying information for the genetic fingerprintsmicrosatellite markers, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or othergenetic markers that are useful for the unambiguous identification ofindividuals are possible. According to present knowledge in particularmicrosatellite markers and in the future also single nucleotidepolymorphisms are especially useful and therefore preferred.

[0020] The oldest, maybe also best known form of a sum of data points,that are suitable for the printing on decoration objects, is theclassical genetic fingerprint. In this case, the whole DNA of anindividual, in one or more of the possible types, is divided intosmaller subfragments, typically by means of a so-called restrictionendonuclease. These fragments are separated according to the lengths ofthe fragments using gel electrophoresis. Within many of the resultingfragments there are so-called repeats, repetitions of one and the samebase sequence, the number of which varies between different individuals.A labelled probe composed of a DNA sequence that is complementary to therepeat can be hybridized and simultaneously the length of many of suchrepeats can be visualized. The resulting pattern is with very highlikelihood unique for each human being.

[0021] Such a pattern (or an excerpt of it that is sufficient accuratelydescribing the individual) can now be imprinted or engraved into a ring,for example, in a graphical format. Because the length measurement ofthe different DNA fragments is only relative (within one suchseparation), however, in each of such experiments so-called standardshave to be used that provide for the comparability—and thus also theactual uniqueness—of the [genetic] fingerprint. To enable a fingerprintdescribing an individual accurately, it may therefore be required toalso to attach such a standard to, for example, a ring.

[0022] In case the sum of the relative distances (lengths) of the DNAfragments only characterizes the individual unambiguously, at least thechallenge concerning the technical precision is that severe, that theseminimal differences are reproduced. This is an extremely difficultundertaking in that also the size of the gravure shall vary. Thus, theattachment of a classical genetic fingerprint to a wedding ring, forexample, is a possible, but not the favoured solution to the problem tobe solved.

[0023] The future method to determine the identity will probably be thedetection of single variable base exchanges of the human DNA.Statistically, about every 100 or 1000 bases (the exact frequency isstill unknown and not important in this context) within the human genomethere is one position, at which there is the one base in a part of the[human] population, while in another part of the population another baseis located at the same position. If such a variability is very small(only the by far smallest part of the population has the one base, whilein the vast majority there is the other one), this is classicallyreferred to as a mutation. With a certain distribution of the bases thatare possible at a given position being more equal, this is referred toas a polymorphism or SNP.

[0024] For purposes of the present invention, the most suitablepolymorphism with two possible bases at a given position is the one withboth bases each being present in exactly one half of the population.

[0025] One can now calculate that in an analysis of an individual,starting from a certain number of such SNP positions, the sum ofidentities at the analysed positions will yield an unambiguousdescription of said individual. There are hundred thousands of such SNPsin the human genome and today people word-wide have not yet agreed on acombination [of these], that would be generally valid for all suchanalyses. As there is also no accepted addressing system for SNPs in thehuman genome (besides the description of the actual sequence context),and some ten positions would have to be used for the unambiguousdescription of an individual, a realistic display in an appealing butunambiguously readable form is still technically hard to implement onthe limited surface of an decoration object, for example a wedding ring.

[0026] As soon as a standard set of such markers will exist, however,there is no doubt that there will also be an internationally acceptednumber- or letter code (or any other encoding), that then will also beuseable as an appealing gravure. Possibly the characterisation of SNPsfor the unambiguous determination of identity will also be the method ofchoice in the future and therefore will be employed also for the gravureor stamping of jewellery or other gifts.

[0027] Is the variability of the DNA not based on an exchange of asingle base by another one (or, at most, by the three other possibleones), but on the exchange of several contiguous bases at the sameposition in the genome or the loss of the insertion of bases in onlysome individuals, the prediction concerning the identity is the same,but technical feasibility of the analysis will be more complicated.There is no agreement about a possible, unique addressing of suchmarkers, but such a procedure is still to be considered part of thisinvention.

[0028] It is however a possible variant of the invention, and this ofcourse applies to all the mentioned methods of engraving, that thegiving persons prefer not to leave gravures that are clearly readablefor all unauthorized people. In the opposite, for many people it willsufficient to know (to fulfil their individualism needs) that thepattern was derived from their genome in a unique manner. It is alsopossible that the person would want an identification of his identity tobe absolutely impossible based on the gravure, but that it can bedistinguished from the identity of another person any time, if only themethod for the generation of the genetic fingerprint was known. It isalso possible that [the identification of] a person, the fingerprint ofwhom in the form of a gravure characterized an object is only possibleby means of a code that is stored at a confidential location. For a SNPdiagram, for example, the bases could be engraved, the identity of thepositions in the genome, however (for example by way of the sequencecontext) could be deposited at a notary, a bank, the laboratoryproducing the fingerprint or even at the jeweller. Of course, it is alsoconceivable to encode the sequence context by means of a cryptographicalgorithm and storage on a chip or a separate computer. It is howevermore likely that in the future a high amount of medical data will bestory centrally or in a distributed way, thus also the sequence contextsof the SNPs used for the fingerprint or generally the identity of othergenetic markers could be stored relying the given confidentiality inthis case. The spectrum of possibilities for the storage of suchinformation is practically unlimited today. It however assumed that theform of storage of information does pertain to the major subject of theinvention and that this invention will therefore include also otherforms of the transfer and storage of important information in thiscontext.

[0029] The encoding of the fingerprints (regardless of the technicalmethod used, be it in a standardized or discrete form) is preferablyconverted into an especially appealing format, individually or as alimited edition or even a mass product by an artisan or graphicallyskilled person (or a similarly acting designer, jeweller or similar).Certainly the simple number or letter code, that already exists formicrosatellites and that will likely be available for SNPs soon, willnot be the preferred format for the gravure for a decoration object. Inthe opposite, the value and the individuality and thus the exclusivityof a such labelled present could be significantly enhanced by theconversion of such number or letter codes into appealing patterns bywell known artisans. This way a well known artisan could, bymanufacturing a unique pattern (it is not relevant in each of thevariants whether the absolute information is readable for each and everyperson, or whether the used encoding procedure—as the graphicalrepresentation could be an encoding variant as well—remains discretelyin the possession or availability of a limited circle of persons or, isdeposited confidentially or even is destroyed), create extreme values inthe form of single objects that are world-wide, in several respects,unique. Also limited editions that—for example are contracted byjewellery chains to known artists or designers or could be establishedon their own—are sold in larger series, could still satisfy thementioned individuality need and even could emphasize the individualityaspect.

[0030] It is possible and of course within the scope of the invention tointroduce standards for the labelling of decoration objects, or even theintroduction of a standard encoding system, that generally protects theobjects by labelling with an own genetic fingerprint, this identityhowever is only readable under defined conditions (or even by law) forother persons.

[0031] In principle, even an absolutely secure signature for thelabelling of objects could be created this way.

[0032] The described methods are the three important, but not the onlyones to derive an individual gravure or imprint for decoration objectsor other presents or even for the labelling of own property. We wouldlike to emphasize that these are only the most likely examples for sucha labelling. Any possible way to retrieve information out of the humangenome (also, for example, expression patterns in a particular cell typeor protein expression patterns or other highly individual parameters)and to attach this information in the form of a engraving, imprint orprint for the labelling of presents, in particular wedding rings, butalso generally properties, is meant to be within the scope of thepresent invention. Also the different ways to attach a unambiguousgenetic description of an individual to an object, is of low importancewith respect to the spirit of this invention. These embodiments includeprints, imprints, gravures, reliefs, paintings, 3 dimensional work,millings, bore holes or any other methods to attach signs to materials.But also the facets of a jewel could in this context, using (open ordiscrete) standards take over the role of an encoding of a geneticfingerprint.

[0033] Also the kind of the material in this context is not relevant forthe spirit of this invention. In principle, even not very durablepresents or gifts like, for example, pralines with genetic fingerprintsare conceivable and are a good [technical] solution for the permanentproblem of finding an individualized present.

[0034] But it essentially is in the spirit of the invention that asdurable materials as possible are equipped with a durable labelling.Certainly, gold, white gold or platinum would be most frequently usedfor wedding rings, but also a gravure or jewel would be possible. Forexample, at the higher end the facets of a diamond could describe agenetic marker each.

[0035] Normally the genetic fingerprints that are established today, arenot optimized towards a compact display that would be suitable forsmaller decoration objects. Particularly preferred is the display of thegenetic fingerprints in the form of a letter and/or syllable and/or wordand/or number combinations or as relief, in the form of tables orabstract art.

[0036] The variant of the genetic fingerprint that is preferred today isthe [analysis of] so-called microsatellites. These also are comprised ofrepeats of either two or four bases (the most common type is theCACACACA repeat), and the number of repetitions per repeat can vary.

[0037] The genetic markers, each single one of which can be present inmore than only two variants, are defined by the unique DNA sequencesflanking them on both sides. As there are multiple variants of each ofthe markers, the prediction power of each marker about the identity ofan individual is much higher, as the one of a particular SNP alone. Thebiggest advantage of these markers is, that in world-wide sets ofexperiments a defined set of such markers was established and is nowaccepted internationally. Also, one has agreed on one [commonly]accepted number and letter code, that sufficiently describes theinformation [contained in] the individual markers. It is therefore verysimple to display in a well-defined way the either eight or twelve usedmarkers by means of a gravure, even be it as a graphically littleappealing numbering code.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, thegenetic information attached to the decoration object is encoded.

[0039] For persons which prefer an unrestricted readability and highindividuality at an acceptable price, these markers in an open (standardencoded) form are the gravure or imprint variant of choice. Persons thatprefer an encoded uniqueness, can now choose any procedure, simple (forexample by exchange of the order of the letters or numbers), orcomplicated (by use of cryptography), to confound the unambiguousreadability. Of course also a complete anonymization by destruction ofthe code is again possible.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, thegenetic information attached to the decoration object can be used with amore than 99% confidence for the identification of the individual theinformation is derived from.

[0041] There are also cases where the identification of a person isalready, for example via a chain worn by them, an essential function ofthe same, like it is the case with soldiers. It is assumed for oneembodiment of the invention, that the use of genetic fingerprint asproposed here can also be equivalently employed for such purposes. Inanother preferred embodiment of the invention the major function of thedecoration object is not to be decorative, but the possibility toidentify the individual wearing the decoration object.

[0042] Further embodiments could in the future include such geneticmarkers into the engraving, that describe special personal properties ofthe donating or the person to which a present was made. So it seemspossible to attach the blood type, eye or hair colours, in the form ofgenetic markers to a piece of property, decoration object or present.

[0043] Subject of this invention is also a method for the attachment ofgenetic information to an decoration object and to the retrieval of thesame. Mainly, this method shall ensure that the genetic information thatis attached to the decoration object cannot be immediately used byunauthorized persons.

[0044] In the first step, as generally known to the person skilled inthe art, the genetic information is retrieved from samples derived fromsaid individuals.

[0045] In the second step the genetic information is encoded, and thekey to said code is stored at a person or an institution, that is notauthorized to distribute the key without consent of a circle of personsthat has previously been determined. Usually, only the individualhimself or close relatives will belong to this circle.

[0046] In the third step of the method the encoded information isattached to the decoration object. This can be conducted either in theform of a letter and/or syllable and/or word and/or number combinations,or as reliefs, in a table format or in an artificially abstract manner,with different techniques like imprinting, engraving or etching.

[0047] In the last step of the method, in case the genetic informationis required for identification, the information is derived from theinformation on the decoration object and from the key made available bysaid person or institution in case of a justified interest.

1. Decoration object that is determined to be worn by an individual,characterized in that it carries information about another individual,and characterized in that the decoration object is a ring, a weddingring, a engagement ring, a friendship ring, a chain, a medallion, abracelet or combinations thereof.
 2. Set of devices according to claim1, characterized in that the devices carry the genetic fingerprint of aleast two individuals, whereas the decoration object, that is determinedto be worn by a particular individual, that contains the geneticfingerprint of the respective other individual and characterized in thatthe decoration object is a wedding ring, a engagement ring or afriendship ring.
 3. Decoration object, characterized in that it containsthe genetic fingerprints of the parents of an individual.
 4. Decorationobject according to claim 3, characterized in that it is an mug, aplate, cutlery, insignia or another decoration object that is customaryas a birth present.
 5. Decoration object according to claim 3,characterized in that it is a mug, a plate, cutlery, badge or anotherdecoration object that is customary as a baptism related present. 6.Decoration object according to any of the preceding claims,characterized in that the genetic fingerprint of the individual is basedon microsatellite markers, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) orother genetic markers that are useful for the unambiguous identificationof individuals.
 7. Decoration object according to any of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the genetic fingerprints are displayed inthe form of letter and/or syllable and/or word and/or numbercombinations, that correspond to the respective standards in Genetics,or as reliefs, in the form of tables or abstract art.
 8. Decorationobject according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe genetic information displayed on it is encoded.
 9. Decoration objectaccording to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that thegenetic information can be used with a more than 99% confidence for theidentification of the individual the information is derived from. 10.Decoration object according to any of the preceding claims,characterized in that the major function is not decoration, but thepossibility for identification.
 11. Method to attach genetic informationto an decoration object and to retrieve the same from it, characterizedin that the following steps are carried out: a) the genetic informationis obtained from samples taken from said individuals; b) the geneticinformation is encoded, and the key to this code is stored at a personor an institution, that is not allowed to pass on this key withoutauthorization by a group of persons previously determined; c) theencoded information is attached to the decoration object d) in case,that the genetic information is required for identification, it isretrieved from the (encoded) information on the decoration object andthe key provided by said person or institution in case of qualifiedinterest.
 12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that theattachment of the genetic information to the device is conducted in theform of letters and/or syllables and/or word and/or number combinations,that correspond to the respective standards in Genetics, or as reliefs,in the form of tables or abstract art.